The world's most prestigious wildlife photography exhibition opens at Auckland Museum in June this year. Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 draws together 108 of the world's best wildlife images curated by London's Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

The stunning collection of images captures both the beauty of the world we live in but also the fragility of nature with some stark images including the winning photograph which captures oil-soaked pelicans caught in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Now in its 47th year the competition attracted 41,000 entries from 95 countries and among the images to make the cut are several from New Zealand photographer David Lloyd. His image A Flick of the Tail taken in Kenya was chosen for the cover of the latest Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011 portfolio.

The New Zealand Geographic Best of the Best

Various Artists from 22 Jun

Alongside the world's best photography, Auckland Museum is showcasing some of the incredible images coming out of New Zealand. This exhibition draws together the photographic highlights from the past four years of the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year competition.

Best of the Best showcases the work of professionals and amateurs, capturing stunning images of New Zealand's mountains, wetlands, coast and plains, its society and culture and incredible wildlife.

Photography at Auckland Museum

Feeling inspired by this year's Auckland Festival of Photography? Auckland Museum's season of photography is just beginning. From 22 June this year two major exhibitions at the museum will bring audiences the best of New Zealand and the world's wildlife photography.

See The London Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year and NZ Geographic's Best of the Best and then choose from a series of photography events and workshops running from June to August.

Expert Sessions with Guest Photographers

Join Auckland's top photographers as they discuss their work and techniques.